Former Asheville High lineman Pagan leaving Alabama for the NFL

After three seasons at Alabama – and two national championships – former Asheville High star Jeoffrey Pagan will make himself available for the NFL Draft.
The 290-pound junior defensive lineman started all but one game this season and finished with 34 tackles, 3.5 for loss.

“We’re excited for him and support his decision,” said Asheville High coach Danny Wilkins, who went to the Sugar Bowl to watch Pagan play against Oklahoma and talked with his former star player about his decision.

“Jeoffrey weighed his options carefully and feel like this is what’s best for him.”

Wilkins said Alabama head coach Nick Saban allowed Pagan to fly home to Asheville on a school jet during Christmas break to discuss his future with his mom.

“As a parent, of course I wanted him to stay in school,” said Sheryl Pagan. “But we’re proud of him, we love him and we will support whatever decisions he makes about his life.

“It’s a huge step he’s taking, and we’re very excited to think about him playing in the NFL.”

Pagan is ranked in the top 10 among defensive linemen and is considered a likely second or third-round pick by several draft experts.

About Having a Ball!

When he's not on the golf course, senior writer Keith Jarrett has been covering sports for the Citizen-Times for the past 27 years. As part of a three-person staff, his current duties include - a little bit of everything. Contact Keith at 828-232-5867 or kjarrett@citizen-times.com, on Facebook or Twitter @JarrettKeith.